Direct Reprogramming Provides New HD Model

A new STEM CELLS article from researchers led by Bronwen Connor (the University of Auckland, New Zealand) describes the first reported generation of directly reprogrammed neural precursor cells and DARPP32+ neurons from adult-onset Huntington's disease patient samples. In addition, Monk et al. observed the formation of ubiquitinated polyglutamine aggregates and impaired neuronal maturation in reprogrammed Huntington's disease neurons, and noted a correlation between BDNF expression and Huntington's disease severity. Overall, this exciting study represents a novel platform to screen for new targets for the treatment of Huntington's disease.